RIYADH: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic thanked Saudi Arabia for its international efforts in combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and initiatives to distribute vaccines quickly to the most needy countries.
Vucic’s comments came during official talks with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday at the presidential palace in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Vucic and the Serbian government and people.
The two sides discussed the need to increase intra-regional investments, especially in the renewable energy and technology sectors, in light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. They also spoke about the Kingdom’s international efforts to address and tackle the challenges of climate change and the crown prince’s Saudi and Middle East green initiatives that were announced in March.
They also reviewed relations and joint cooperation between the two countries and discussed strengthening aspects of bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Prince Faisal also met with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Belgrade where they “reviewed the solid relations between the two countries and discussed strengthening aspects of bilateral cooperation in various fields and ways to support and develop them,” the kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
They also discussed ways to intensify joint coordination to serve the interests of the two countries and regional and international developments.
Prince Faisal also held bilateral talks with Algerian Finance Minister Ayman Ben Abdul Rahman and his counterparts from Nicaragua, Venezuela and Guatemala on the sidelines of the summit.
Saudi foreign minister holds bilateral talks on sidelines of Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Serbia
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Saudi foreign minister holds bilateral talks on sidelines of Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Serbia
- He held talks with the Serbian president on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Belgrade
- Prince Faisal also met his Iraqi and Nicaraguan counterparts
Sha’abanah festival brings Hijazi heritage to life ahead of Ramadan
Jeddah: The Sha’abanah festival celebrating Hijazi heritage drew more than 18,000 visitors to the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah as part of the city’s pre-Ramadan festivities.
Organized by Vertex 33, the three-day event from Jan. 22-24 offered an immersive celebration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
The festival featured local boutiques offering oud incense and perfumes, artisanal shoes and a variety of handcrafted products from local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also enjoyed a range of artistic workshops, such as pottery and mosaic, while children engaged in scented candle-making, art activities by Global Art, and thread kneading to create keychains and home wall hangings with Ramadan themes.
A dining area served traditional Saudi cuisine, coffee, and festive Ramadan treats.
Guests were entertained with live traditional Yanbu’awi performances, Al-Ajal dance displays, and a contemporary Saudi-style DJ, bringing together the energy of modern entertainment with the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz.
The project was led by four young cultural enthusiasts, Abdulaziz Al-Jehani, Abdulmajeed Abualkheer, Ghoroub Al-Barakati and Shahad Abualkheer.
Al-Jehani, CEO of Vertex 33, said Sha’abanah was inspired by a desire to revive the social traditions that once brought Hijazi communities together ahead of Ramadan.
“At Vertex 33, we believe events should feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and Sha’abanah was our way of creating a space where people could reconnect with heritage in a lively, modern setting,” he told Arab News.
“Bringing the festival together took just three months of planning, from concept development and cultural research to vendor selection, design, and on-ground coordination.
“The positive response from attendees has reinforced Vertex 33’s commitment to supporting local artists and making Hijazi heritage central to future events,” he added.
Entrepreneurs taking part in Sha’abanah praised the festival for providing exposure and opportunities to engage directly with customers.
Afraa Damanhouri, founder of RuaqAfraa, said: “We are participating to make scented cake candles for both adults and children. Workshops like these promote business and help people understand the process behind different types of candles.”
Reem Awad, founder and CEO of Black Mus, said: “Through Sha’abanah, we were able to meet our customers face to face, share the story behind our products, and help them understand the range of services and items we offer.”
Chef Fayzah Al-Sulami, who took part in the event preparing and selling her homemade spices and traditional white sweet Saudi coffee, said: “I started teaching cooking on YouTube, and when people asked about the ingredients I use, I began selling my products.
“It was amazing to see so many people take an interest, and sales were strong throughout all three days of the festival.”
With Ramadan approaching, many local entrepreneurs offered gift packages, prayer baskets, homemade traditional coffee, and spices.
Duaa Shukri, founder of Printful, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving. We created unique gift packages for children, teenagers and adults, with thoughtful items.”
